An anecdotal account is provided of Lee John Betts's first year as the president of Frederick Community College (FCC). The first sections cover the application process, his first visit to the college, issues involved in relocating, administrative tasks accomplished during the first week, and Betts's first meeting with FCC's board of trustees. The next section summarizes Betts's first address to the college faculty, entitled "Eight Goals for the Future." After reviewing activities that were undertaken to get acquainted with community leaders, college staff, and students, Betts highlights some of his efforts to establish a campus presence in community events, improve relations between FCC and a prestigious independent college in the city, and lay down roots in the community. Subsequent sections focus on the establishment of a Professional Development Council at the college, and review the other initiatives undertaken during the first eight months of Betts's presidency, including the difficult process of instructional reorganization. The next sections look at problems that were encountered, including decreasing compliance and increasing assertiveness among faculty and administrators; difficulties with a building project; and budget complications. Following concluding comments, a brief postscript by Professor Phyllis Hamilton provides a faculty member's perspective on Betts's first year as president. (JMC)